IHDI Director

Director’s Message — Prof. Ted Vaughan

Director, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation
University of Galway

“At the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, our ambition is clear: to create an ecosystem where world‑leading researchers, clinicians, and innovators can advance transformative ideas that improve human health. We are building the optimal environment for discovery—one that removes barriers, accelerates translation, and ensures that breakthrough technologies move seamlessly from concept to clinical practice.

Our mission spans the full spectrum of the innovation pipeline, from foundational discovery to deployment. We are committed to enabling our research community to develop next‑generation technologies, therapies, and diagnostic approaches that enhance patient outcomes, shorten treatment pathways, and enable earlier and more accurate detection of disease. In realising this mission, we aim to drive a step-change in the effectiveness, accessibility, and global impact of medical and healthcare technologies.”

About Prof. Ted Vaughan

Prof. Ted Vaughan brings deep expertise, international experience, and a forward‑looking vision to the leadership of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation (IHDI). His research journey began at the University of Limerick, where he completed both his BE and PhD in Mechanical Engineering, followed by his appointment to the Centre for Biomechanics Research at the School of Engineering, University of Galway. His career also includes a prestigious Royal Irish Academy–funded research period at the University of Notre Dame, USA.

A recognised leader in biomechanics, engineering mechanics, and medical device research, Prof. Vaughan has published more than 75 peer‑reviewed papers with a global citation footprint exceeding 3,000 citations. His receipt of a European Research Council (ERC) award highlights his standing as an innovative and influential researcher at EU level.

As Director of the IHDI, Prof. Vaughan operates at the strategic interface of academia, healthcare, government, industry, and philanthropy. His leadership is focused on establishing a world‑class research and innovation infrastructure capable of advancing disruptive technologies that address pressing clinical and societal needs.

Prof. Vaughan has also led major multinational research initiatives, including coordinating the BioImplant Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN)—a European Industrial Doctorate programme advancing next‑generation bioresorbable material technologies for orthopaedic and cardiovascular applications.